In early feudal Japan, war played critical role in shaping the nation's social landscape. "Warring clans controlled much of the country.the struggle for control of that land eventually gave rise to the samurai." ("The Samurai, 2006) The samurai were a class of Japanese warriors who lived by a code known as bushido, or the way of the warrior. "The essence of the samurai code of bushido was total loyalty to the feudal lord; a willingness to give their lives in the defense of their lord, his honor, and their own; a strict regimen of martial training; and a sternly refined etiquette that governed their actions and behavior in all things.Part of the code of the samurai was to commit suicide rather than be captured in war or dishonored by failure." ("The Samurai, 2006) However, like so many ideals, this code of ethics was seldom realized perfectly at any time in Japanese history. ("The Samurai, 2006).

             This is particularly true of the Tokugawa Period, when Musui's Story was written. Musui's Story is the autobiography of a samurai who lived during a time of peace. Although the ideals of bushido were still common ideological currency amongst the warrior class, the era of constant warfare that gave birth to the need for such an elite group of loyal fighters was long past, and there were no more wealthy shoguns to fund most samurai's lifestyles, which involved rigid and expensive ways of dressing, as well as costly weapons. .

             Thus, when initially reflecting upon the life of Katsu Kochiki, the author of Musui's Story, the reader reared on highly romanticized versions of the samurai might be surprised, given that the samurai author appears to have followed few of the personal ideals commonly associated with those of 19th century Japanese samurai. Far from willing to sacrifice his life to save the honor of his lord, or even himself, Kochiki was willing to do anything to earn enough money to live a comfortable lifestyle.